The deraileurs are 6-7yrs old and ihave maintained well tbh. Shiftin is not the smoothest, and recently adjusting the indexing of the RD was pain because all the screws, adjusters and deraileur were so stiff and dirty. In case I wanted to upgrade my setup (esp.the RD), what would be compatible and best upgrade?

I like to keep my hybrid 'roady' but am scared of buying road bike derailleurs because when I changed the factory FD for the LX Deore (6yrs ago), I remember the bike shop guy saying that the deore was the only RD that he had that would fit...an even then, on some gear combinations the front derailleur is proper touching the chain.

First,I agree with Bill you should give everything a good cleaning. Second,what exactly are you looking for? None of your current parts are junk,so 'upgrading' them isn't going to significantly increase reliability. You can go full tilt with top end XTR/DuraAce bits to shave weight,but you'd prolly save more weight with just a tire/wheelset swap(and notice the difference more). If you just want to pimp it out,then go for it. But if you're looking to increase reliability or shave significant weight,I'd say it's not really worth it. When the parts wear out replace them with comparable bits.

I know it's no excuse, but I live in a small apartment in Helsinki and it is sometimes difficult to clean the bike, at least at the moment (it's freezing outside)!

Everything 'works'. As did the wheels until I replaced them recently for Mavic Pros...and as you say the difference was noticeable.

But I don't think it is just the dirt. Shifting (it might be the cold) is just really hard, and also in some gear combinations, the FD is properly rubbing the chain (and this was done at a shop by a pro). Even when moving the RD manually it is hard. Also, I noticed the RD 'little wheels' are not lined up....so I cant get to index the RD to for for all 18 speed combinations. So although an upgrade/replacement is not 'necessary', it might be nice...so I just want to have clear that if I chose to upgrade/replace anything...what are my options.

So what I need is what I CAN do....so that I dont end up sending back stuff I bought online because they did not fit. I have read I can use up to 9speed RD and they will work. The Sora seems to be the only 8speed specific RD I could find...would this be better? I dont want top end stuff...perhaps 105 equivalents...but why aren't they available for 8speed? To solve teh problem of the FD rubbing the chain on higjhest gears...should I change to 2 speed in front? Does this only require changing the handlebar shifter or also the FD (LX Deore) I currently have?

I would recommend a complete overhaul of the bike. Cables/housing, chain, cassette should all be replaced. Maybe even the jockey wheels of the RD, but if they are in good shape, leave them be, but take them off the RD clean, and lightly oil before re-installing. All bearings should be cleaned and re-packed with fresh grease, and properly adjusted. If you don't know how to do this or don't want to spend the money on tools and the time on learning, take it to a bike shop. I usually re-pack my hubs with grease every 2-3 years depending on use. Its rarely in dire need of it, but its easy, gives me something to do in the winter, and keeps the hubs rolling SMOOTH!

I recommend a complete overhaul every 4-6 years myself (no, I don't work at a bike shop), depending on use. High mileage or off-road use should be more often. Some will even say cables every year or two, but unless they are causing issues, I say leave them alone.

At the least, cables, chain and cassette will probably make a huge difference. If you ride in rain/mud/dirt/snow, I would take a look at a "sealed" cable system for your shifters, and brakes too. Cost more, but will help keep smooth shifting and braking for longer.

Shifting (it might be the cold) is just really hard, and also in some gear combinations, the FD is properly rubbing the chain (and this was done at a shop by a pro). Even when moving the RD manually it is hard. Also, I noticed the RD 'little wheels' are not lined up....so I cant get to index the RD to for for all 18 speed combinations.

Unless you're in Antarctic conditions,it shouldn't be anywhere near cold enough to effect your shifting. It sounds like things aren't setup/adjusted properly. The fact that it was done by a shop does not guarantee it was done right;at my bike clinic I once saw a rear derailleur setup that was done so badly by a shop that I told the bike's owner "this level of stupidity is actually impressive". I'd suggest checking out Park Tool's site and making sure everything is set right(or taking the bike to a different shop if your mechanical abilities aren't that great).

As for the jockey wheels not lining up,make sure your derailleur hanger hasn't been bent. Hangars are designed to bend to prevent damage to the frame and derailleur,and it's surprising how easily some of them can get knocked out of wack.

Originally Posted by muni50

So although an upgrade/replacement is not 'necessary', it might be nice...so I just want to have clear that if I chose to upgrade/replace anything...what are my options.

Unfortunately,Shimano and SRAM seem to be aiming for competitors. All high end road and MTB stuff of theirs is 10spd(and going to 11spd). Shimano is 10spd road all the way down to Tiagra now,and SRAM doesn't even make an 8 or 9spd brifter. If you're going to stay 8spd(and there are good reasons for this),then your choices are pretty much used/NOS off eBay or other sites,or go Sun Race or other 'off-brand'.